# Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner at 97% against Code Reader's 64%. Code Reader's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 97% of QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews)** | [4.3 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-code-scanner/id1427969666/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **243** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | **96.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [Maryam Derakhshesh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1625594620) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668)

Easily scan, generate, and share QR codes and barcodes. Quickly read various code types, including links, contacts, and product information. Generate new codes from text, emails, or Wi-Fi details, and utilize convenient extensions for seamless integration.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Generate QR codes and barcodes, Read codes from images via extension, Generate codes from text, email, Wi-Fi, Save and share scanned/generated codes, Automatic web page opening for product barcodes, Scanner preview with zoom and stabilization

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Reader Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Reader Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Donation 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Donation 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Code Reader Pro Lifetime | $2.99 | one-time |
| Donation 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Donation 10 | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Works fast
- 🆓 Free to use
- 💡 Auto-copies to clipboard
- ✅ Scans QR codes effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work for some users
- 🚫 Camera focus issues on Mac
- ❌ Unable to save codes
- 🤷 No instructions provided
- ⚠️ Scams reported

**Reported bugs**

- App not working after MacOS update
- Cannot get permissions to save
- QR codes not readable by Mac camera
- App crashes QREncoder
- Sequence of letters then stops

**Requested features**

- Add date & time to QR history
- Option to select camera
- Ability to save QR codes
- Support for SVG files
- Add logos to QR codes


### QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-code-scanner/id1427969666)

This app allows you to scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. It also offers features to create your own QR codes and barcodes with customizable colors and formats, and manage your scan history.

**Highlights:** QR & Barcode Scanning, Live Text Scanning from Images, Scan Multiple Codes Simultaneously, QR & Barcode Creator, Customizable Code Colors, Scan History & Library Management

**Features:** Family Sharing, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| QR Code , Barcode Scanner | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive
- 🔒 Reliable and accurate
- 💡 Versatile for various QR/barcode needs
- 👍 No annoying ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional issues with scanning certain codes
- 🔋 Drains battery faster than expected

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to scan QR codes on certain devices
- Fails to read some barcodes

**Requested features**

- Add option to customize QR code colors and patterns
- Implement ability to save and manage scanned codes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Reader free?

Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner free?

QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner?

Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner averages 4.3 from 39 ratings.

### Do Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner have ads?

Neither Code Reader nor QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner?

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner every 4 months. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner on September 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*